We’ve all been to a friend’s home who recently had a renovation done and drooled over their beautiful backsplash which completes the entire space to perfection.  Here are a few expert tips to help you achieve a note-worthy backsplash that will leave your friends jealous!

1. Determine your budget because like everything else there’s a high and a low end.  Regardless of your budget though, creativity will take you a long way.
2. Determine the theme that you are going for.  If you are already doing a renovation then the theme most-likely has already been determined so this should be easy.  Whether it’s country, traditional, or contemporary it’s always a good idea to maintain a consistent theme.  However, as backsplashes usually cover a small area, you can definitely do something a bit different to add interest.
3. Continue your counter material up to the wall as backsplash to be consistent.  For those who have difficulty when there are too many choices, this is always a good option.
4. Define specific work areas by varying the type of material or colours used.  For instance, try stainless steel behind your cook-top and tile the rest.  Introducing different materials will make the space more interesting and allow you to highlight those big budget items, like your Wolf range!  Be careful not to overdo it though because it could end up looking like a mess.
5. Give you backsplash the same attention your cabinetry or countertop would get.  It’s at eye level, so most likely will be the first thing you see when you enter the room.
6. Do your research!  There’s a plethora of materials to choose from including, laminates, glass, ceramics, metal, and solid surface, so make sure whatever you choose is right for your needs.
7. If you are on a budget but still want something special, choose one area to install the very expensive recycled glass tiles (for instance), and use something more budget friendly for the remainder of the space.
8. Neutrals are pretty standard these days but for interest consider adding a colourful band or border for a punch of colour.
9. If you are a collector of tiles and have an interesting collection gathered through your travels, by all means use some of them to make your backsplash a bit more unique.
10. Seek professional help if you need it and when it comes to tiling quality can vary with each tiler so make sure you do your research.

Real stone is striking, but can be expensive and finicky to live with.  It requires regular sealing.  It can be brittle, porous, stainable, expensive to repair, hard on dishes, and don’t forget the seams!  Manufactured quartz surfaces are less fragile and porous but is very expensive (over $100/ Sq. Ft.).

We recommend Granicrete as a new alternative.  It has the look & feel of stone but is actually an engineered, light-weight acrylic concrete that is sealed with clear acrylic resin.  It can replicate the look of almost any kind of stone, tile, or cultured cement. 

Some of its characteristics are:

• tough & resilient
• overlay system to surface new counters & floors or to resurface existing ones
• scorch & stain resistant
• non-porous and foodsafe
• easily installed without seams
• customizable with unlimited colour palette
• simple to maintain and clean
• quieter and easier on dishes
• a fraction of the cost

This overlay system allows you to resurface your counters or floors without demolition and added wastes to our landfill.  Further, there is no radon emissions or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and production is in eco-friendly plants. 

You can also use it outside on patios, driveways, pool surrounds, walkways, garage floors, outdoor kitchens, etc.

Asphalt Shingles

Advantages: Inexpensive; ranges from low-cost 3-tab shingle to architectural shingles with extra durability & style; wide selection of colours, types & manufacturers; suitable for most residential applications; easy to repair; fire resistant

Disadvantages:  Short life-span (15-30 yrs); scars easily when hot; subject to mildew & moss; environmentally unfriendly

Wood Shingles/Shakes

Advantages:  Natural look weathering to a soft grey; offers some insulation value; blends with the environment; easy to repair/replace; long lasting with maintenance (30-50 yrs)

Disadvantages:  Expensive; typically requires professional installation; high maintenance; tends to rot, split, mold, & mildew; poor fire rating unless pressure treated

Metal (Steel, Aluminum, Tin, Copper)

Advantages:  Available in different looks including cedar shingles, slate or standing seam; many colours; light weight; durable; long life span (at least 50 yrs); low maintenance; can be installed over existing roofs; performs well in high wind, hail & rain; environmentally friendly

Disadvantages:  Difficult to install; can be expensive; may require periodic painting

Tile (Concrete, Clay)

Advantages:  Non-combustible; many colours & styles; attractive; fireproof; easy to maintain; extremely durable when maintained

Disadvantages:  Expensive; heavy; used primarily in new buildings because of wight & structural requirements; installation & repairs can be tricky; fragile

Slate

Advantages:  Beautiful & distinctive appearance; fireproof; long life span; low maintenance

Disadvantages:  Very expensive; requires specialized installation; heavy; fragile; high maintenance